12
Jul

Computerization Is Great, Barring Human Error

   Posted by: Emily   in US Headlines



I read that people are calling for computerization in hospitals, especially when dealing with drugs. This happened after seventeen babies were overdosed on blood thinner, two of whom unfortunately died, and the highly publicized overdose of twin babies of Hollywood actor, Dennis Quaid.

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Image details: Pills and capsules served by picapp.com

I have to agree that doctors need to make the handwriting more legible than a chicken’s scrawl so yes, in such an instance, computerizing would eliminate the problem that many people have of reading a doctor’s handwriting.

However, all the computerization will not work if there is human error. I think that medical practitioners are overworked and underpaid and many of my friends who are doctors have to pull 36-hour work shifts. That would certainly cause mistakes.

A friend told me that while taking an exam to fight for a place in medical school, he had to endure a lot of mental tests. He was deemed not good enough and failed to secure a place. I think that even if someone passed these tests and graduate as a doctor, it does not mean that the doctor would be able to perform 100% day in and day out.

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3
Jul

Artificial Trans Fats Banned In New York

   Posted by: Emily   in US Headlines



In a bid to curb heart diseases among its residents, New York has banned the use of artificial trans fats in all restaurants, including bakeries and all other types of food, beginning 1st July, 2008.

This move was applied on all restaurants last year but it now covers every public eating place. However, food prepared with artificial trans fats that are sealed in manufacturers’ packaging, like junk food, will still be able to continue to use it.


Image taken from Impact Lab

I think that this is an excellent move forward to eliminate the causes of coronary heart diseases. Instead of educating the public on what they could or could not eat, just remove the offending artery-clogging ingredient from the menu. That’s the easier, isn’t it?

New York was the first American city to adopt this move, followed by Philadelphia. I think all states should ban artificial trans fats. Food may taste better and crunchier but it reduces the level of good cholesterol in our bodies while raising the level of bad cholesterol.

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